People may not view grocery store work as inherently risky. However, those who work in this profession know better.
If you suffer a workplace injury, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The following are just some of the risks faced by grocery store employees.
1. Repetitive stress injuries
Whether you are scanning items repeatedly at the cash register or are unloading boxes and stocking shelves, the risk of a repetitive stress injury is high. Carpal tunnel syndrome and ligament damage may not make themselves apparent for years. Regardless, if your injury is work-related, you are eligible for workers’ comp.
2. Lifting injuries
Unloading heavy boxes off of pallets can quickly take its toll. Knee, back, and shoulder injuries are all too common. The use of proper lifting techniques can help reduce the risk of injury. However, sometimes an injury proves unavoidable, especially if you are feeling rushed. If you believe you were hurt while lifting boxes, inform your employer and refrain from attempting to “work through it.”
3.Cuts and burns
Workers across all departments face the risk of suffering severe cuts or burns. The use of box cutters, knives, shrink wrap machines, and ovens all carry the potential to cause serious harm. Seek immediate medical attention if you suffer this type of injury at work.
4. Slips-and-falls
The dangers of wet floors extend beyond a store’s retail area. Items packed in ice and other wet floor dangers lurk in back rooms and walk-in coolers. If you are injured in a slip-and-fall at work, you should explore your workers’ compensation options.
5. Occupational disease
When you serve the general public, virus exposure is a daily threat. Missing a day or two of work because of a common cold is probably not a big concern. However, if you have contracted a more serious virus in the workplace, it may be worth turning to the workers’ comp system.
Remember the workers’ compensation system is there to help you
Every workplace carries some risk of injury. If you work in the grocery industry and have suffered an injury at work, speak with a skilled professional to learn about your next steps.